How can I tell if a lifter is bad? General valve ?

[pbsch]

I was trying to adjust my rockers while reassembling my 3.4L engine and noticed that some lifters seem stiffer than others. I suspect this is just difference in volume of oil inside the lifters since the engine hasn't run for some time. Should I still be accurate with the "tighten til the pushrod doesn't spin process" or do I need to get oil pressure to these things first.

It seems that clearance to get the valve covers off with the UIM on will be an issue. Is it possible to get them off without removing the UIM?

I have read in a few other threads that the best way to adjust these is with the car running - doesn't the oil go everywhere flying off the tops of the rockers?

Thanks,
Paul